The Delhi High Court has taken serious note of extortion threats against former Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) president Ronak Khatri, directing the city police to expedite his request for security protection.
Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta issued the directive after Khatri's legal team presented evidence of threatening calls and messages from alleged criminals demanding money. The court has asked Delhi Police to file a status report detailing the actions taken to address these security concerns.
Growing Security Concerns for Student Leaders
The case highlights the increasing vulnerability of student politicians to organized crime in the national capital. Khatri, who served as DUSU president, approached the court after local police failed to provide adequate security despite multiple requests and documented threats.
"The threats have created an atmosphere of constant fear for me and my family," Khatri stated in his petition. "These criminals are demanding substantial amounts of money and have made explicit threats to my safety if their demands aren't met."
Court's Stern Directive to Police
The High Court emphasized that individuals facing genuine threats to their life and property deserve prompt protection from law enforcement agencies. The bench specifically instructed police authorities to:
- Immediately review Khatri's security threat assessment
- Provide necessary protection based on the threat perception
- Investigate the source of extortion threats thoroughly
- Submit a detailed action report to the court
Pattern of Threats Against Public Figures
This incident follows a worrying trend where criminals are increasingly targeting student leaders and public figures for extortion. Legal experts note that such cases require swift police intervention to prevent escalation.
"When individuals in public positions receive threats, it's not just their personal safety at stake but also the integrity of our democratic processes," commented a senior lawyer familiar with the case.
The court has scheduled the next hearing to review the police's compliance with its directives and assess the security measures implemented for Khatri's protection.
